Monday, March 16, 2015

Help Yourself by Talking to Strangers

Striking up
a conversation with a complete stranger is hard. But it may just prove more
useful to you than the target of your conversation. Engaging others in
conversation not only opens up potential new relationships and connections but
it can also improve a person's sense of well being and put individuals in a
more positive mood. Being civil toward random strangers is typically believed
to benefit others—society at large or those who are befriended. But results of
recent research indicate that 'pro-sociality' benefits the individual as much
if not more than the target of the kindness. Think back to the times when a stranger
has started a conversation with you or even just commented on something you
both just witnessed. In the vast
majority of those instances the person proved to be interesting, friendly and
good natured. So say hello to strangers and start a dialogue. You'll be glad
you did, and happier.